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Family games nights often fail not because there’s nothing to choose from, but because the game isn’t quite right. A game may look family-friendly on the box, yet be too complex for younger children, too short for a large group or unsuitable for the kind of games night you have planned. So if you’re looking to buy board games for the whole family, don’t focus only on the title, design or well-known brands.
‘Ages 6+’ or ‘ages 8+’ is a useful guide, but it doesn’t tell you everything about how a game plays. A child may be able to read the rules, but might still need help with a strategy game or escape-room game. Small parts can also pose a safety risk. Many games are expressly unsuitable for children under 3 because they contain small parts that could be swallowed.
A game for two to four players isn’t a practical choice if six people regularly join in. Conversely, a game designed for larger groups can lose its energy when played by a small number of people. Before you buy, check the stated number of players and consider whether the game is intended for a regular family group, a party or a changing mix of players.
Card games and classic board games usually don’t need batteries. Electronic games and music games, on the other hand, may require batteries, a smartphone, an app or a streaming service. Game length is often underestimated too: a 45-minute strategy game won’t always fit into a short evening routine with younger children.
For children’s board games and board games for ages 6+, short rules, straightforward turns and a limited playing time are often practical. Board games for ages 8+ often introduce strategy, memory, creativity or more complex decisions. The key is whether children and adults can play together without one person having to take charge of the game throughout.
Check the minimum and maximum number of players. A playing time of 30 to 60 minutes is often easy to plan around for a classic games night. Short games lasting around 10 to 20 minutes are better suited to children’s birthday parties, playing several rounds in a row or spontaneous breaks for a game.
Check whether the cards, boards and playing pieces are sturdy enough for the way you plan to use them. If there are small parts, follow the warnings and keep them out of reach of younger siblings. For travel, look for compact dimensions and a simple set-up. If you’re buying a gift, check the language, age rating and any accessories required too.
Why this product suits this type of player: The Junior Edition is designed for children aged 8 and over and is ready to play without batteries. Its compact size also makes it a good choice for travel or as a birthday present.
The product details specify 120 cards and 200 categories. That gives you a clear idea of the topics on offer, rather than relying on a vague promise of variety.
120 playing cards, German-language content and compact dimensions of 12.5 × 4.6 × 11.7 cm.
Why this product suits this type of player: This strategy game is designed for 2 to 5 players aged 8 and over. It combines simple basic rules with decisions about routes and destination cards.
The number of players, recommended age and playing time of around 45 minutes are all clearly stated. This makes it easier to decide whether it’s right for you before buying.
For 2 to 5 players, 250 game components according to the product details, and a German-language game.
Why this product suits this type of player: This cooperative game is designed for 2 to 4 children aged 6 and over, and takes around 20 minutes according to the product details. Everyone works towards the same goal.
The short playing time and age recommendation help prevent children from feeling overwhelmed by games that are too long or too challenging.
A cooperative way to play, for 2 to 4 players, with no batteries required.
Why this product suits this type of player: This music game is designed for teenagers and adults aged 16 and over, making it a good choice for parties and larger groups. The songs on the cards are played via Spotify.
Before buying, factor in the need for Spotify, the recommended age and the batteries needed for the scanning function.
225 music cards, Spotify compatibility and a game designed for groups.
We’ve put together a complete, regularly updated list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and fully comply with the safety regulations in force in the EU.
Depending on the occasion, other categories may be a good fit too:
Look for games with clear rules, a manageable playing time and a level of difficulty that lets adults join in without the children being at a constant disadvantage. Cooperative games and simple card games are often accessible for children aged 6 and over. Strategy and puzzle games are more suitable from age 8.
How long a game lasts depends on the quality of its materials, how it’s stored and how often it’s played. Store cards and boards in a dry place and protect them from liquids. Keeping all the components together makes it easier to play again in future. If a game uses materials that are only intended for one-time use, as some escape-room games do, check the product description before you buy.
Check the recommended age, number of players, language, playing time and space required. For a family with children, choose short family games that don’t require extra equipment. Music, party or strategy games may be a better fit for teenagers and adults. If young children will be playing, pay particular attention to warnings about small parts that could be swallowed.